Bushfires, floods and other emergencies are always a risk in Australia.

Planning will help you to cope with an emergency if one arises. The purpose of this guide is to help participants to plan what they will do in an emergency situation such as a bushfire.

Talk about it

It’s important to talk to your family and anyone else who lives on your property, so that everyone is aware of the plan in an emergency.

To stay or to go? The Rural Fire Service advises residents to prepare in advance for what they will do in the event of a bushfire.

Leaving early is the safest option. If you decide to leave, plan these things in advance:

• When will you leave?
• Where will you go?
• How will you get there?
• What will you take with you?
• Who will you tell?
• What is your backup plan?

Alternatively, you can stay and defend your property, but you must be well prepared. Here are some questions to consider:

• Is your property well prepared?
• Are you putting anyone (including your greyhounds) at risk by staying?
• Can you cope in an emergency?
• Do you have the equipment that you need?
• Does everyone on the property know what to do before, during and after a fire?
• What is your back-up plan?

Planning for your greyhounds

Planning what to do with your greyhounds is a key part of emergency planning. For many participants, the need to keep greyhounds safe is a key factor in deciding to leave early.

Here are some key things to have in advance:

• Maintain at least three days’ supply of food and water for all greyhounds
• Keep a list of emergency contacts for you and your greyhounds (e.g. NSW RFS, veterinarian)
• Identify when you will leave and what your route will be
• Prepare an evacuation kit for you and your greyhounds, and make sure it is available
• Ensure your vehicles are well-maintained

And here’s some information that is useful to have on hand in the event of an emergency:

• Where is the nearest Neighbourhood Safe Place? (Most Councils have a nominated safe place where residents can go in an emergency, such as an oval or park)
• Where is your Council’s emergency evacuation centre?
• Can you take animals there?
• Where is your nearest greyhound racing track? Can you kennel your dogs there temporarily if you need to?
• Where can you get a spare greyhound trailer if you need one?